Annotations on Deuteronomy (fragments from Catenae)

Origenes. Origenis Opera Omnia, Volume 7 (Patrologia Graeca, Tomus 17). La Rue, Charles de, editor; La Rue, Charles Vincent de, editor. Paris: J. P. Migne, 1857.

Open Greek and Latin · CC BY-SA 4.0

Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.

This work is a collection of fragments from Catenae, compiling patristic annotations on various passages of the Old Testament Book of Deuteronomy. It explores the deeper spiritual meanings hidden within the biblical text, such as God's condescension to humanity and the Christological typology found in the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. Concrete Old Testament laws—including dietary regulations concerning birds, rules of warfare, and civil prohibitions—are allegorically elevated into spiritual lessons on avoiding vices and understanding the teachings of the New Testament. Through the interpretation of curses and blessings, the text moves beyond literal understanding to reveal the true doctrinal significance of the Law in relation to the life of the Church. Ultimately, it demonstrates how Old Testament legal codes are spiritually reinterpreted and integrated into Christian theology.